Simone Biles absolutely dazzled at the Paris Olympics, proving once again why she’s the gymnastics GOAT. After a tough Tokyo 2021 experience where the ‘twisties’ threw her off course, she came back with a vengeance in Paris. The stakes were sky-high, but Simone rose to the occasion like the champion she is adding more gold to her accolades!

She kicked off her Paris campaign with a gold medal in the team final, helping the US edge out Italy for the top spot. Then she added golds in both the all-around and vault finals to her collection. Sure, the balance beam didn’t quite go as planned, ending in a fifth-place finish, but she made up for it with a silver in the floor exercise. All told, Simone bagged four medals in Paris, bringing her Olympic total to a jaw-dropping 11. That puts her right up there with the great Vera Caslavska as the second most decorated Olympic gymnast of all time.

To celebrate, Simone recently shared a stunning post on X, showcasing a photo shoot by Rachel Taylor. She was perched on a sleek white platform, dressed in an elegant off-shoulder dress and her GOAT necklace, surrounded by all 11 of her Olympic medals—5 from Rio 2016, 2 from Tokyo 2021, and 4 from Paris 2024. Her caption? “6-year-old me would be proud.” It’s a nod to where she started and just how far she’s come.

The post was flooded with love and cheers from fans and supporters, many of whom have been with her through every twist and turn of her incredible journey since the age of six. One fan perfectly summed up the sentiment with, “True Bada*s,” while another declared, “You should be. One of the greatest, if not the greatest, Olympians of my lifetime.” Given that Simone is the most decorated American Olympic gymnast ever, that praise isn’t far off the mark. Another user cheekily suggested, “She needs to do this with her world medals too,” referencing her impressive haul of 27 World Championship medals. Fitting all those accolades into a single photo might be a bit of a challenge, though!

Another comment captured the essence of her impact: “Seeing all these medals is a testament to your incredible journey. Your 6yo self would be in absolute awe of the amazing woman you’ve become. You’re not just a champion; you’re a role model for countless little girls who are inspired to dream big. Keep shining!” This sentiment rings true for Simone, especially as her niece Ronni, who’s already started gymnastics training at just over one year old, looks up to her as a role model. It’s clear that Simone’s influence is set to inspire the next generation.

Amidst the praise, one user even mentioned their unwavering support despite being a fan of rival NFL teams, saying, “Cannot stop loving you. Even if hubby is on the Bears…” For context, Simone’s husband, Jonathan Owens, recently signed with the Chicago Bears. And while Simone celebrates her childhood dreams fulfilled, it’s worth noting that her journey hasn’t been without its struggles!

Simone Biles soared from foster care to gymnastics glory!

Simone Biles’ childhood wasn’t exactly a fairy tale. With a mom battling substance abuse and a chaotic early life in foster care, young Simone faced some serious hurdles. But if there’s one thing that could turn things around, it was a little bit of gymnastics magic. After a rough start, Simone and her siblings were scooped up by their grandparents, Ron and Nellie Biles, who gave them a stable home in Houston. It was here, at just six years old, that Simone’s life took a turn for the better.

During a daycare field trip, she saw some older girls flipping and tumbling and, being the fearless and energetic kid she was, decided to give it a shot. The coaches at Bannon’s Gymnastix spotted her talent and suggested she start formal training. From there, it was all about diving headfirst into the world of gymnastics. Despite facing early challenges like a diagnosis of ADHD and having to juggle her schooling with grueling training sessions, Simone was unstoppable. She went from a bright-eyed six-year-old with a knack for imitating gymnasts to a powerhouse who would redefine the sport.

As Simone Biles shows off her 11 dazzling medals, it’s incredible to think about her journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a gymnastics icon. Her caption, “6-year-old me would be proud,” perfectly reflects the perseverance and triumph she’s achieved. What are your thoughts on her remarkable endurance and that touching tribute to her younger self? Share in the comments below!